First national analysis finds America’s butterflies are disappearing at ‘catastrophic’ rate

A new study finds the number of butterflies has dropped 22% since 2000, a new study finds. Scientists blame insecticides, climate change and habitat loss. The first ever countrywide systematic analysis of butterfly abundance shows the total number of butterflies in the Lower 48 states has been falling on average 1.3% a year. Thursday’s study shows 114 species suffering significant declines and only nine increasing. Many of the species in decline fell by 40% or more. The losses are highest in the Southwest. One entomologist who wasn’t part of the study called the loss of butterflies “catastrophic and saddening.” A new study finds the number of butterflies has dropped 22% since 2000, a new study finds. Scientists blame insecticides, climate change and habitat loss. The first ever countrywide systematic analysis of butterfly abundance shows the total number of butterflies in the Lower 48 states has been falling on average 1.3% a year. Thursday’s study shows 114 species suffering significant declines and only nine increasing. Many of the species in decline fell by 40% or more. The losses are highest in the Southwest. One entomologist who wasn’t part of the study called the loss of butterflies “catastrophic and saddening.”  AP Technology and Science